Health Library

What is this medicine?

METOPROLOL; HYDROCHLOROTHIAZIDE (me TOE proe lole; hye droe klor oh THYE a zide) is a combination of a beta-blocker and a diuretic. It is used to treat high blood pressure.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

diabetes

heart disease

history of irregular heartbeat

kidney disease

liver disease

lung or breathing disease, like asthma

lupus

peripheral vascular disease

pheochromocytoma

thyroid disease

an unusual or allergic reaction to hydrochlorothiazide, metoprolol, sulfonamide drugs, or other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

pregnant or trying to get pregnant

breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. You can take it with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, take it with food. Do not crush or chew this medicine. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take it more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you've taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

NSAIDS, medicines for pain and inflammation, like ibuprofen or naproxen

steroid medicines like prednisone or cortisone

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Check your blood pressure as directed. Ask your doctor or health care professional what your blood pressure should be and when you should contact him or her.

Do not treat yourself for coughs, colds, or pain while you are using this medicine without asking your doctor or health care professional for advice. Some ingredients may increase your blood pressure.

Check with your doctor or health care professional if you get an attack of severe diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, or if you sweat a lot. The loss of too much body fluid can make it dangerous for you to take this medicine.

You may get dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Avoid alcoholic drinks; they can make you more dizzy.

This medicine may affect blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes, check with your doctor or health care professional before you change your diet or the dose of your diabetic medicine.

This medicine can make you more sensitive to the sun. Keep out of the sun. If you cannot avoid being in the sun, wear protective clothing and use sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps or tanning beds/booths.

Tell your doctor or health care professional right away if you have any change in your eyesight.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

breathing problems

changes in vision

depressed mood

eye pain

feeling faint or lightheaded, falls

increased hunger or thirst

increased urination

redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth

swelling of the ankles, feet, hands

symptoms of gout

unusual skin rash or bruising

unusually slow heartbeat

unusually weak or tired

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (Report these to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome.):

change in sex drive or performance

diarrhea

dizziness

general ill feeling or flu-like symptoms

nausea

tiredness

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medicine?

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

Metoprolol Tartrate, Hydrochlorothiazide Oral tablet

What is this medicine?

METOPROLOL; HYDROCHLOROTHIAZIDE (me TOE proe lole; hye droe klor oh THYE a zide) is a combination of a beta-blocker and a diuretic. It is used to treat high blood pressure.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

circulation problems, or blood vessel disease

decreased urine

diabetes

heart disease, heart failure or a history of heart attack

kidney disease

liver disease

lung or breathing disease, like asthma or emphysema

pheochromocytoma

slow heart rate

thyroid disease

an unusual or allergic reaction to hydrochlorothiazide, metoprolol, sulfa drugs, or other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

pregnant or trying to get pregnant

breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take this medicine with food. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take it more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

antiinflammatory drugs, NSAIDs like ibuprofen

barbiturates like phenobarbital

corticosteroids like prednisone

lithium

medicines for chest pain or angina

medicines for diabetes

medicines for high blood pressure or heart failure

medicines to control heart rhythm

prescription pain medicines

rifampin

skeletal muscle relaxants like tubocurarine

some medicines for lowering cholesterol like colestipol or cholestyramine

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Check your blood pressure as directed. Ask your doctor or health care professional what your blood pressure should be and when you should contact him or her.

Check with your doctor or health care professional if you get an attack of severe diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, or if you sweat a lot. The loss of too much body fluid can make it dangerous for you to take this medicine.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this drug affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol can make you more drowsy and dizzy. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

This medicine may affect your blood sugar level. If you have diabetes, check with your doctor or health care professional before changing the dose of your diabetic medicine.

This medicine can make you more sensitive to the sun. Keep out of the sun. If you cannot avoid being in the sun, wear protective clothing and use sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps or tanning beds/booths.

Do not treat yourself for coughs, colds, or pain while you are taking this medicine without asking your doctor or health care professional for advice. Some ingredients may increase your blood pressure.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

changes in vision

cold, tingling, or numb hands or feet

difficulty breathing, wheezing

eye pain

increased thirst or sweating

irregular heart beat, palpitations, or chest pain

muscle cramps

redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth

swollen legs or ankles

tremor, shakes

unusual skin rash or bruising

unusually weak or tired

vomiting

worsened gout pain

yellowing of the eyes or skin

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

change in sex drive or performance

cough

depression

diarrhea

nausea

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.